About - Crowley

About Us

Address: 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota, FL 34240

Telephone : (941) 322-1000

After Hour/Emergency Contact: (859) 351-4954 Dixie Resnick

Email: [email protected]

Education Programs Email: [email protected]

Weddings, Meetings, and Special Events Email: [email protected]

Camping Email: [email protected]

Board of Directors

Chairman- Susan Flynn ESQ

Chair Elect- Russ Bobbitt

Secretary- Ruby Jo Brew Treasurer-

John Bauer

Director- Christine Johnson

Director- Timothy Self Director/Former

Chair- Dean Crowley

President/CEO: Dixie Resnick

Crowley Museum and Nature Center is a 191-acre farmstead established in 1878. Site includes rare Florida habitat, pioneer buildings, and heritage farm animals. For 40 years Crowley has provided children’s programming that explores pioneer history, develops self-reliance, creates a connection to nature, and imparts practical skills for living like wilderness survival and farming in a real world setting.

Stewardship:

To be the best steward of southwest Florida natural and cultural history.

Our Mission:

To facilitate the enjoyment and understanding of Southwest Florida nature and history, to foster responsible stewardship, and to promote environmental awareness.

Our Core Values:

Environmental stewardship, conservation, and preservation

Cultural heritage preservation

Furtherance of sustainable agriculture practices

Service to our community

Service with integrity and honesty

Education through experiential learning

Synergistic opportunities with other organizations

Volunteer at Crowley

NATURE TOUR LEADERS

If you are interested in or knowledgeable about native Florida flora and fauna, we need your help. Our boardwalk through five native habitats is a break from the everyday world and a reminder of what once was. Lend a hand in our guests learning experience. Contact (941) 322-1000.

CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP LEADERS

Children have a thirst to learn more about nature. They get deeply involved in the fact that there are places with no sidewalks or traffic. Taking home a nature craft adds to their enjoyment. Take part in this satisfying experience as a leader or helper. Contact (941) 322-1000.

GIFT SHOP ATTENDANTS

Crowley offers the chance to interact with guests who have an interest in the real Florida. We are in need of a few outgoing folks who can come to the Center to collect admissions, do small sales, have fun arranging stock and chit-chatting with guests in our gift shop to satisfy their thirst to find out a little information about native Florida.

During season, we need gift shop attendants during the week Tuesday – Friday during fall thru spring. Your time is appreciated even if you can offer only a day or two each month. We need greeters and general office assistance. Your time is appreciated even if you can offer only one or two days each month. We would love to have your help. Call (941) 322-1000.

KITCHEN GARDEN AND FARM INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS

Do you love to grow food but find Florida growing challenging? Or are you interested in learning how to grow food in our area? Our instructors have over 30 years experience in growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in Florida. We accept groups and individuals interested in a one-time or on-going activity. Call (941) 322-1000.

TATUM RIDGE SCHOOLHOUSE RESTORATION

Join our team in restoring the historic Tatum Ridge Schoolhouse! We take a break during the hot summer months but will resume in the fall. No experience is required- full training is provided. It’s easy to swing a hammer so we can use your help. If you will be available for 1/2 day on Saturdays, please register now. Call (941) 322-1000.

BE A VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER

Volunteer data entry from your home by entering events on internet calendar sites, doing research, preparing document/fliers or help distribute Crowley information pamphlets. Contact us for projects that fit your schedule and interest. Call (941) 322-1000.

TRAIL AND BUTTERFLY GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Do you love the outdoors? Volunteer for a great cause. Help keep the trails and butterfly garden maintained for our visitors to enjoy. We accept groups and individuals interested in a one-time or on-going activity. Call (941) 322-1000.

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEER

Lend a helping had for our special events, including the Southwest Florida Heritage Festival, Starry Nite, and “Crawleyween". Positions and hours vary but we always need extra help for planning, preparation, event day, and clean–up. These are great opportunities for family, friends, and groups to work together to produce a successful event. Call (941) 322-1000.

We greatly appreciate the contributions from our dedicated volunteers who volunteer at Crowley and assist us with quality educational programs and interpretive exhibits.

Here is what a little momma love can do (Mother Nature of course):

Financial Donations Matched

Make a Financial Donation and double your impact! The Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic will match donations of $5 to $500 when donations are placed through their website at flanzertrust.org/make-a-donation

Wish List

Every item you donate saves precious financial resources.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation who relies not only on monetary donations, but also in-kind donations to perform everyday functions. In-kind donations are tax deductible. See our current list of needed donation items below. Please contact us at 941-322-1000 for information on how to donate any of these items, questions about additional types of in-kind donations or assistance with a donation drive. Donations can be delivered at the the Welcome Center during normal operating hours.

Concrete

Wood – from firewood to boards to fence posts – we need it all

Wood Splitter

Woodworking Craftsmans table

Solar powered lighting for front entrance sign

Pole barn materials for new Blacksmiths shop

Rain barrels

Solar panels/Batteries

Gardening tools (shovels, rakes, axes, etc.)

Ice cream freezer

LED Lighting for buildings

Rope to replace rope swings